African Deep-Fried Foods You Have To Try

If you love fried foods and also enjoy experiencing cuisines from other nations, then why not try our some of Africa's favorite fried snacks? Some of the might seem a little familiar, as they have their own versions around the world, while others are unique.

Sfenj or Koeksister

In Northern Africa you have Sfenj. In South Africa, you have Koeksister. Both are a type of doughnut that is often dipped in sugar or honey. It is a sweet treat that will remind you of your favorite doughnuts at home. You will recognize koeksisters by the braided shape. There is even a statue in the shape of a koeksister. The yeast dough is braided, fried, and then dipped in sugar or honey to be enjoyed for breakfast with your morning coffee or tea.

Mandazi

Mandazi, or Swahili coconut doughnuts, are fried dough that is much less sweet than koeksister or your favorite doughnuts from the local bakery. The dough is soft and squishy. Coconut milk is used to make the dough just sweet enough, and you don't add any sugar or honey coating. This is a lightly-sweetened snack enjoyed warm or cold.

Briouat

The Moroccan briouat is a fried puffy pastry filled with meat. Chicken or lamb is mixed with a few spices and some cheese before being wrapped in very thin dough called warqa. It is similar to a spring roll wrapper. It is then deep-fried until golden brown and enjoy while the filling is nice and warm. It takes some practice to fold the briouats into the perfect triangle shape.

Vetkoek

Vetkoek is South African fried dough that is filled with either a meat filling or a sweet dessert-like filling. It is filled after the dough is fried. You can make traditional vetkoek using a simple flour recipe or a puffier vetkoek using yeast. Once the dough is fried, you cut a slit in the warm dough to reach the center and then fill it up with your filling of choice. Fill it with meat and spice for a filling meal or with nuts, honey, or jam for dessert.

Pakora or Dhaltjies

In parts of South Africa, the pakora has become a traditional wedding food. You might recognize the name pakora as a famous Indian snack food. In South Africa, it is known as dhaltjies, but is the same thing as the pakora. The snack is made up of your vegetable of choice dipped in a chickpea flour batter and deep-friend into a golden fritter.

Get out the hot oil and try your hand at any of these delicious African deep-fried foods. Find any of the needed ingredients online at any African food supplier.


Share